Myths

Common breastfeeding misconceptions

Many myths and stories about breastfeeding have been passed down through family and friends, but some are inaccurate or out-of-date. See how many you've heard, and separate fact from fiction:

Myth 1: "It's not that popular, only a few women do it in this country"

Fact: 78% of women in England start breastfeeding.

Myth 2: "Breastfeeding will make my breasts saggy"

Fact: Breastfeeding doesn't cause your breasts to sag, but the ageing process and losing or putting on weight can all have an effect.

Myth 3: "Infant formula is basically the same as breast milk"

Fact: Infant formula isn't the same as breast milk. It's not a living product so it doesn't have the antibodies, living cells, enzymes or hormones that protect your baby from infections and diseases later in life.

Myth 4: "People don't like women breastfeeding in public"

Fact: Surveys actually show that the majority of people don't mind women breastfeeding in public at all. It's perfectly natural and normal.

Myth 5: "Breastfeeding is easy for some women, but some don't produce enough milk"

Fact: Almost all women are physically able to breastfeed. It's a skill that every woman needs to learn and practise before it becomes easy. It happens more quickly for some women than others, but nearly all women can produce the amount of milk their baby needs.

Myth 6: "If I breastfeed I can't have a sex life"

Fact: After you've had your baby you'll decide when it's time to have sex with your partner. The same hormone that helps to release your milk for the baby (oxytocin) is also made when you have sex so you may leak a little breast milk which is completely normal.